4-41 Dastaarbandhi

The news was sent to Khadoor Sahib, Goindwal Sahib, Moua and Dhalla.  They all came to Amritsar to mourn.  Men and women came to Amritsar on top of carts and chariots.  People came to Amritsar crying and beating their heads.  The women would go to meet Mata Ganga ji.  They all praised Guru Arjan Dev ji as they cried.  Sri Mata Ganga ji was very wise.  She was in the Brahmgyaan state.  She would receive everyone with respect and tell them not to cry.  They should recite and listen to Gurbani.  She would say: “let me hear Bani from you.  Who can disobey the command of the Guru of the world?  His body was not like other people’s bodies.  He is omnipotent and comes and goes from this world as he pleases.  He completed his task and went back to his home.  He does not come and go under someone’s will.  He gives bliss to the ones in pain.  He gives Mukti to his servants.  His praises are prevalent in the world like the moon.  His feet are the root of joy for his servants.  He gave the blame of his departure to the sinner Chandoo and went to Sach Khand.”  The women of the Trehan and Bhalla houses heard this and praised Guru ji.  The women of Moua and Dhalla completed the traditions of the world. 

Sikhs from every direction came to Amritsar.  As the news spread to other lands, the Sangat came with the Masands of their areas.  Thousands came everyday and met other fellow Sikhs to mourn.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji would sit in the Divaan, holding court.  Tarps and flooring were laid out for the Sangat to sit on.  Langar and Prashaad was made all day long.  The Sangat ate as they pleased, whenever they wanted to.  Many Sikhs were doing Seva and various tasks.  They would bring gifts and food as they came.  There was no counting as to how much was being spent.  The Masands were taking care of all the financial expenditure.  The Paath of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji was done by Baba Bhudda ji.  The Rababis did Keertan with skill, along with the new Sikhs who received the Raag Vidya from Guru Arjan Dev ji.  There was a constant flow of Bhajan (Simran) and Bhagti.  The lives of the people listening were being blessed. 

After 13 days, the Paath of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji came to the Bhog (completion).  To complete the worldly traditions, the Sangat was called.  The leaders of Amritsar were called close to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  A lot of Panchamrit was prepared.  A lot of people reached right away.  Baba Bhudda ji recited the last portions of Guru Granth Sahib ji to complete the Paath.  Bhai Gurdas ji stood up to do Ardaas.  A Chaur was being waived over Guru Granth Sahib ji.  When the Bhog of Guru Granth Sahib ji occurred, everyone bowed their heads.  The Rumaala was placed over Guru Granth Sahib ji.  The Raagis sang the Shabad Keertan.  They recited Anand Sahib and did Ardaas.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji picked up clothes made of silk and Zarri.  He carried them with his hands and presented them to Baba Bhudda ji.  Baba Bhudda ji put the beautiful clothes on his body.  Guru ji started the tradition of giving offerings to the Sikhs doing the Paath.  The other Sikhs who recited or sang Gurbani in the Divaan were also given clothes and gifts.  Raagis and Rababis wore the clothes they were given.  They were also given a lot of money.  This was the Maryada of the Guru Ghar.  Panchamrit was then distributed to the Sangat.  The Sangat ate it after saying Satnam.  Guru ji started new traditions during the Bhog Paath of his father.

The Dastaarbandhi was to occur next.  The Sangat was called for this celebration.  Baba Mohri ji and others came from Goindwal.  Baba Dhatu ji, the son of Guru Angad Dev ji, came.  A big Divaan took place with the Sangat.  Others came and sat down.  Bhai Salo ji and other Masands came to Amritsar along with the rich people of Amritsar.  All of the Sangat of Amritsar came and bowed.  The Divaan was full and all the Sangat came with their Masands.  A Manji (bed), Mala and a Saili Topi was brought and placed in front of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Everyone was watching this event.  They looked towards Guru ji like Chakors looking at the moon.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was in bliss.  He smiled when he saw the Topi and Mala.  Baba Bhudda ji was sitting in front of him.  Guru ji looked at Baba Bhudda ji and said in front of everyone: “what have these Masands brought for me?  They don’t know my nature yet, it seems.  It is not the time to wear a Topi of the saints and recite the Mala.  The 5 Gurus were calm saints.  The Turks have become tyrants.  They made saints sit on hot plates.  Look what they did to Pitha ji, the idol of peace?  I wish to take revenge.  That cannot be possible without Shasters.  The ones who are against the saints, I am to punish them.  This is my duty from Akaal Purakh.  I will carry weapons, not malas.  The Rajas used to be Kshatriyas before and kept the people in peace.  They practised Shastervidya.  Since the time they stopped practising Shastervidya (due to converting to religions practising ahimsa), the Turks took over their land.  They won many lands.  Sindh and Hindustan were taken.  They had weapons and the Hindustanis only had Malas.  The Malas were for show.  I will make my Sikhs carry weapons now.  They will be given Shastervidya.  We will wage war and kill the sinners.  The elder Gurus will help us to gain the kingdom.”  Baba Bhudda ji said: “nothing will be done without your permission.  The 5 Gurus before did the tradition of sitting on the Manjhi and receiving the Saili Topi.  That is what the Masands were doing.  You can do as you wish.  If you wish to start a new tradition, you can.  Wear the weapons and punish the sinners.  Whatever is your wish, everyone will obey.”  Satguru ji smiled after listening to Baba Bhudda ji.  The Saili Topi and Mala that was brought, Satguru ji folded his hands and bowed to them.  He said: “keep this in the Toshakhana with respect.”  The treasurer took the items and added them to the treasury as per Guru ji’s command.  Baba Bhudda ji got up and did Ardaas.  He said the names of the 5 Gurus and brought a Pugri.  It was the symbol of Kshatriya Kings.  Both ends of the Pugh had Zarri work on it.  It was a beautiful Dastaar made of fine cotton.  Baba ji gave that Dastaar to Guru Hargobind ji.  Baba Bhudda ji tied the Dastaar on top of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s head.  Baba Mohri ji then got up and presented a Dastaar.  Baba Dhatu ji got up next and gave another Dastaar.  Many Sikhs who came, presented Dastaars to Guru ji.  The Panchayat of Amritsar along with dignitaries; Udaasis, Sadhoos and Fakirs brought Dastaars for Guru ji.  The Sikhs brought expensive Dastaars with money on top and gave it to Guru ji.  The Shehnais and instruments were played in celebration.  Everyone was happy.  A great celebration dawned after the depression of Guru Arjan Dev ji’s departure.  A new Nishan was hoisted.  Beggars came to ask for money.  Mata Ganga ji and Baba Bhudda ji gave a lot of donations.  Guru ji gave a lot of donations.  The pain of Guru Arjan Dev ji’s departure was becoming less.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was observing this.

The Masands went to Mata Ganga ji and bowed to her.  Mata ji blessed them and had them sit down.  Mata ji considered them as her sons.  The Masands made a request: “listen Mataji, you need to think about this: the kingdom of the Turks is big and radiant.  Where will we go if we get into conflicts with the Turks?  They are Chakravortys and praised in the whole world.  They are tyrants.  The Divaan Chandoo is a Kshatriya and is our enemy.  Guru Arjan Dev ji was martyred in his home.  Chandoo is the enemy of the Guru Ghar.  He hates Guru Hargobind ji.  He is not afraid.  He does what he pleases.  Thousands follow his command.  The Emperor is close to him so everyone is afraid of him.  Guru Hargobind ji has taken an oath to kill Chandoo.  He said this in a full Divaan.  The government’s spies were there too.  He made the conflict worse.  The sinner Chandoo will cause more problems.  The Sahibzada is young still.  He wants to carry weapons.  We don’t have an army.  How will we fight on the battlefield?  Without a kingdom, an army can’t be kept.  We don’t have a country to earn money.  How will we fight the strong Turks?  The Emperor will hear about this and get agitated.  People like Chandoo will fill his ears.  The Emperor and the Divaan is strong.  People are afraid of them.  Where will we go if we ruin it with them?  We won’t find a place to live in peace.  We all heard the Guru and stayed quiet.  We couldn’t say anything in front of him.  When he comes to you, you should tell him not to say these things.  You can sweet-talk him and ask him about his plans.  Then you can speak to him about logic.  You can tell him to stay in peace in your home and not to cause a conflict.  Look at what happened to Guru Arjan Dev ji.  We couldn’t do anything to the sinners.  He should follow the same traditions as the elder Gurus and bless the wise Sikhs.  Tell the wise Sikhs to speak to Guru ji.”  Mata Ganga ji heard the Masands and said: “only the unwise require guidance.  He is omnipotent and omniscient.  He is filled with the powers of Akaal Purakh.  It is not befitting for us to say anything to him.  I will consider what you are saying and speak to him.  If there is something I need to say to him, I will speak to him with love.  I can’t command him.  He is Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He sits on his throne.  He has the Jot of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  I will try to stop him.  He will do as he pleases.”  The Masands bowed and got up.  They left Mata ji’s home.  Mata ji remembered Guru Arjan Dev ji and shed tears. 

4-42 Founding of Akaal Boonga

A Divaan was in progress.  Many had brought Dastaars and money to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Guru ji then went to his mother after the Divaan.  The moon-faced one bowed to his mother and sat with her.  Mata Ganga ji gave her son love by touching his head with her hand.  She said to him: “my son, you are everyone’s support now.  The Sikh Sangat and I look towards you for support.  You didn’t take the Saili and Mala.  This was the tradition of the elders.  Why did you change this tradition?  Chandoo has hatred towards us.  He is a sinner.  He is corrupt and does sinful acts.  You have taken an oath to kill him.  Everyone knows about this now.  The Turks are strong.  Chandoo is a powerful Divaan.  To kill the big sinner is difficult.  You were too eager to take the oath.  How will you complete it so quickly?  You said that you wanted to keep weapons and avenge your father’s martyrdom.  You don’t have any warriors.  Why do you wish to fight a war?”  Satguru ji said to his mother: “I will kill Chandoo.  It will happen.  The son who does not avenge his father’s death, why should such a coward be even born?  I will wield weapons and wage great battles.  I will fight the enemy and kill them.  Don’t worry, Guru Nanak Dev ji will help us with everything.  I will kill the Turks on the battlefield.  They have sinned on the poor.  This was the command of my father: “take revenge and kill the sinners.”  If I don’t take a revenge, these sinners will make other saints sit on hot plates.  Mataji, it is not the time to wear the Saili Topi and Mala.  It is the time to fight wars now.  Don’t worry Mataji.  Akaal Purakh is with me all the time.  These Masands have small and weak hearts.  They are afraid of the word “War.”  I will mix the mountains in to dust.  I will make dust particles into mountains.  These sinners don’t understand saints.  I will kill the sinners in war.  Till I don’t kill Chandoo, I will not be at peace.”  Mataji heard Guru ji’s warrior-spirited words and felt at peace.  Mataji was very wise as she recited a lot of Bani.  She thought to herself: “my son sits on Guru Nanak Dev ji’s throne.  He is the form of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He is wiser than anyone else.  He knows the past, present and future.”  It was night so both son and mother ate.  Guru ji went to sleep.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji woke up at Amritvela and took a bathe.  He met with Baba Bhudda ji and went to Harmandhir Sahib.  They all bowed towards Harmandhir Sahib.  Guru ji did 4 Parkarmas of the Harmandhir.  Guru ji stood at Darshani Deodi after crossing the bridge.  He looked towards the empty area in front of the Deodi.  He said a command: “clear this place for the Sangat to sit in Divaan.”  The area was cleaned.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji placed the first brick and said to the Sikhs: “make a high place to sit.  Level this area out for thousands to sit.”  Guru ji wrote Hukamnamas.  He commanded the scribes to write them and send them to all the Masands.  He said: “It is my command that whichever Sikh brings good horses and weapons, the Guru will be happy with them.  They will live in joy.  Whoever comes to see the Guru, bring weapons and horses, quickly.”  The scribes wrote the hukamnamas quickly.  The Hukamnamas were sent out to far away lands to all the Masands.  The letters said: “Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji has been martyred.  The 6^th Guru has now sat on the throne.  He sits on a Takhat like a king.  The whole Sangat should come to see him and bring horses and weapons.  Whoever comes and brings weapons, Guru ji will be happy with them.  Don’t be late.  Come quick.”  The areas of the East, Delhi, Agra, Patna, Maksoodabad, Kanshi, Farrukhabad, Ayodhya, Jonpur, Assam and other places; the Hukamnamas were sent.  In the south: Sri Lanka and other places, the commands were sent.  In the west: Kabul, Kandahar, Peshawar, Jalalabad, it could not be counted to where Sikhs lived.  In the North, Sikhs were in Kashmir, Baramulla and other villages.  The Masands received the Hukamnamas.  The Masands read the Hukamnamas to the Sikhs.  When the Sikhs heard the commands, they spent money and bought weapons and horses.  They used their Dasvands to buy well-crafted weapons and strong horses.  They wanted to make Guru ji happy.  Weapons and horses were being bought by Sikhs everywhere in the world.  They all came to Amritsar to meet Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  The rich Masands brought weapons and horses.  The Sangat followed them. 

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji prepared royal clothes and dressed like kings.   He wore a yellow chola with golden thread-work on it.  He wore a beautiful Jamma.  He was already taller than anyone else at the young age.  He wore a Kalgi with a Jigha.  The Jigha had precious gems embedded in it.  Pearl strands hung from the Kalgi.  He wore golden bracelets with diamonds.  He wore golden hoops in his ears.  Pearl necklaces were around his neck.  Diamonds were in his jewellery which were really shiny.  The 9 gems were in his jewellery.  He wore armlets with 9 gems.  He fastened expensive weapons to his waist.  The jewellery and clothes were what kings wore.  Guru ji said a Hukamnama: “make the saddles for the horses that are for kings.  Put gold and gems on them.  Use silk ropes and zarri fasteners.”  The Sikhs were eager to follow his commands.  The Masands worked towards this too.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji came to Baba Bhudda ji and had a discussion.  After speaking to each other, they called a Jyotishi.  They said to the Jyotishi: “find an auspicious time to do the Royal Tilak.  When should the Meeree and Peeree be worn?”  The Jyotishi heard the command and began to do his calculations.  He found a date and said: “Satguru ji, I have found an excellent date which shows that if you do the Tilak on this particular date, you are destined to have your radiance grow by the day.  You will also destroy your strong enemies in the future.  The day of Harh (June/July), Sudhi 10^th, Sunday will be a very strong day.  The Takhat will be strong like the Udayachal Mountain (the eastern mountain from where the sun arises).  You will arise like the morning sun.  The radiance of the Turks will be in darkness.  The sinners that are like the small twinkling stars, will disappear.  The slanderers will be in pain.  The saints everywhere will be in peace and joy.  You will be radiant like the shine of the moon.  You will give bliss to the Chakor Sikhs.  Your haters will wilt seeing your glory.”  The Brahmin spoke about all the calculations he had completed.  The Master was happy to hear this.  Guru ji gave him so much money that he did not need to ask for money ever again.  The Sikhs were happy to see Guru ji’s gracious and generous heart.  The Sikhs would do their tasks with enthusiasm.  They were eagerly awaiting the day of the coronation.  The required items were prepared and shown to Guru ji.  Guru ji was happy to see the beautiful items that were made.  The Sikhs would sing the praises of the Guru and would come to see Guru ji with faith and devotion.  They would talk amongst themselves: “he is handsome and so tall and wide.  He looks extremely radiant when he dresses up and wears Shasters.  He lights the love inside the Sikhs.  He smiles when he meets the Sikhs.”  Everyone wanted the day of the coronation to come quickly so they can see the Teeka put on his forehead and be seated on the Gurta Ghaddi.  They wanted to see him sit on the throne with his weapons and kill all of the sinners.  The Sikhs were in bliss.  They were blooming seeing Guru ji; like the lotus blooms after seeing the sun.  The Masands, on the other hand, were worried: “what will he do?  What will happen now?”

4-43 Ascending the Takhat

The day that everyone was waiting for, finally came.  It was the 10^th Sudhi, Sunday.  Many Masands prepared for this day.  Thousands came to attend the Divaan at the Akaal Takhat.  Sangat came from far away and brought many types of gifts.  They came from every direction.  They came and visited the Sarovar, bathing in it and listening to the Keertan.  A great crowd gathered.  They shouted Jaikaras for the Gurus.  There were camps all around Amritsar.  The Sikhs were eager to see Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji woke up at Amritvela and did his daily cleansing routine.  He sat in Samadhi and connected with his Aatam Saroop, the Sat, Chit and Anand form.  He opened his eyes as soon as the sun’s rays hit the earth.  He wore a beautiful Jama with a beautiful Dastaar.  He tied a Jigha and a Kalgi with pearl strands hanging from it.  Guru ji looked very handsome.  The elder 5 Gurus wore simple clothes.  The sixth Guru wore Royal clothes with a Kalgi.  He was the King of Kings.  Guru ji’s golden hoops reflected on his cheeks.  He had pearl necklaces in his neck.  He had emerald, rubies, sapphires, pearls and diamonds tied on his arms.  They looked like the 9 planets hanging from his arms.  The armlets were known as “Angads.”  They were of the highest quality.  His golden bracelets had diamonds in them.  His rings were golden.  In this way, Guru ji looked very radiant.  He wore the best clothes and jewellery. 

The Mevra went to the camps of the Sangat and gave them the news: “the Divaan has started.  Come and meet Guru ji.  The Divan will be at the open space outside of the Deodi.  Meet Satguru ji and have your wishes fulfilled.  Present your gifts and money there.”  The Sangat heard this and became eager to go.  They wore their expensive clothes and jewellery.  They gathered at the place they were told to sit.  They wanted to see Guru ji. 

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji came when the crowd got big.  He was wearing expensive clothes and jewellery.  He was dressed as the King of Kings.  The Sikhs looked at Guru ji like Chakors look towards the moon.  Guru ji was like the sun and the Sikhs were like the lotus flower.  Just as the Chatrik is satiated with the Swanti drop, that is how they were.  They all bowed their heads and folded their hands.  Tarps and rugs were laid out for the Sangat to sit on.  A beautiful Throne was made.  Baba Bhudda ji and Bhai Gurdas ji were on Guru ji’s right and left side.  Other Sikhs were standing.  Guru ji bowed at the Darshani Deodi and entered the bridge.  He bowed inside the Harmandhir Sahib and did the Parkarma.  He then came to the place where Akaal Boonga (Takhat) stands today.  He sat on his Singhasan.  He said from his mouth: “bring the weapons that I have had made.  The ones that have gold workmanship on them; bring them.”  The swords: Meeree and Peeree came on a big plate.  Other weapons were brought and placed in front of Guru ji.  After saying the names of the 5 Gurus, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji put 2 swords on with their Gatras.  He then picked up a quiver full of arrows and tied it around his shoulder and back.  He tightened its belt around his waist.  There were sharp arrows in the quiver.  He then picked up a fierce bow.  Just as Ram Chander ji was radiant, that is how Guru ji looked.  The new Takhat that was made, Guru ji bowed to it.  After bowing to it, Guru ji ascended it and sat in the “Bir Asan,” onto it.  Baba Bhudda ji, Bhai Gurdas ji and other Masands were amazed to see Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  They folded their hands and said to Guru ji: “Sache Paatshaah ji, warriors and kings in the past wore one Sword, why have you worn two?  What is the reason for this?  Please tell us.”  The brightly radiant Guru said: “Baba ji, I will tell you the reason.  One is the Meeree: I will take the Meeree of the Meers (the kingdom of the kings).  The other is the Peeree: I will take the Peeree of the Peers (the sainthood of saints).  Bhagti and Shakti will come together now.  I will have peace and revolution.  I will be the saint and the warrior.  Whoever will come with love, will be saved.  Whoever comes with hatred, will be destroyed.”  These words were of the “Dal Bhanjan Gur Soorma,” the Guru Warrior: destroyer of armies.  Listening to the words of the Guru, the faithful became excited.  Guru ji sat on his Takhat as the Devatas were watching in the sky.  The Devatas played the Pakhavaj along with their celestial instruments.  They played Raags which represented royal splendour.  Guru ji looked like Inder sitting with the Devatas; like Vishnu sitting with the Devatas; like Ram Chander ji with the Munis; like Krishan ji with the Yadavs.  Two Sikhs stood on both sides of Guru ji and waived Chaurs over his head.  The Chaurs looked like two swans flying over his head, trying to eat the pearls on his Kalgi, but flying away in fear as they got close.  His face was handsome and radiant.  People couldn’t stare at his face for too long.  His radiance was too strong.  The Sangat was asked by the Mevras to come and present their gifts. 

The Sangat came and bowed to Guru ji as they placed the gifts in front of Guru ji.  They came with the greatest enthusiasm.  They were sitting in the Chownk, it was a four-way area in front of Akaal Boonga.  Thousands of Sikhs were standing.  Baba Bhudda ji got up to do the Tikka ceremony.  He grinded Saffron and Sandalwood to prepare the Tikka.  He marked the forehead of Guru ji with the Tilak.  It looked radiant.  The Sangat was mesmerized looking at Guru ji.  Baba Bhudda ji placed his gifts at Guru ji’s feet.  He folded his hands and bowed to his feet.  The other Masands: Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Bidhi Chand ji, Bhai Salo ji and others came to bow.  After the senior Sikhs and Masands bowing, the Sangat from far away came to bow with their leaders.  They presented their gifts and placed them in front of Guru ji.  Clothes, jewellery and expensive materials were brought.  Cholas and Dumaalaas were brought for Guru ji.  Weapons with sharp edges were brought.  The Sikhs spent a lot of money for the weapons and clothes.  Kharags, Sippars, shields, rifles, arrows and guns were brought.  Strong steeds that were faster than the wind were brought.  Jamdhars, Kataars, quivers, Khandas, Sirohis, and spears were brought.  Bows with powerful pulls were brought.  Tomars, Saangs and Barchis were brought.  Seeing these weapons, the warriors would be happy.  A pile of weapons gathered.  There were beds laid out for the weapons.  They were not placed on the ground.  From that point on, the Shasters were always kept on beds or Takhats.  Shasters and horses were gathered.  Guru ji looked towards both sides, seeing the weapons and horses.  Guru ji got up and tested the weapons and horses.  The horses were very strong.  They wanted to dance.  It was hard for the Sikhs to settle them down.  The Sikhs that brought the weapons and horses were happy.  They were given blessings.  There was a pile of money but Guru ji did not pay attention to that.  He only cared about the weapons and horses.  He was happy to see them.  The Divaan went on till the afternoon.  Guru ji met the Sikhs and blessed them.  Many gifts were offered to Guru ji.  The fortunate Sikhs who loved the Guru’s feet go to see Guru ji.  The Naubats and Nagaras were sounding.  (These Naubats sounded till the 1950s at Akaal Takhat.  Bhai Vir Singh ji expressed his disappointment when these were discontinued.  Takhat Hazoor Sahib still has them playing in the morning).  Guru ji gave a lot of donations to the musicians playing the Naubats.  The Taadis (Natha and Abdullah) sang Vaars, The Bhatts and poets spoke their Kavitas.  They sang the praises of Guru ji.  Guru ji gave the artists new clothes and money.  They were given jewellery as well.  They were really happy to receive so many gifts.  Guru ji appreciated the artists.  The ones who brought the best horses, Khandas, swords, Tomars, Tabbars (axes), pistols, rifles, Sails, bows and arrows; Guru ji would call the Sikhs and ask them about it.  He would praise the weapon to the Sikh and say: “listen Sikh, you will be in extreme joy.  You have brought a beautiful piece.”  The Sangat now knew that if they wanted to make Guru ji happy, they needed to bring the best weapons and horses.  The ones who didn’t bring weapons or horses were in regret.  The ones who did bring them, were very happy. 

It was late afternoon for the first Divaan at Akaal Takhat.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji gave happiness to everyone.  He got up and went to his home after finishing the Divaan.  He mounted a strong horse to go to his home rather than walking.  He gave out a command: “make a big stable for the horses.  Make sure there are areas to tie up the horses in the stables.  Have a lot of Sikhs to do the maintenance of the horses.  If someone wants to enlist as a warrior, bring them to me and enlist Them.  They will be given a salary.  The horses should be given good feed.  Give them sweet choori.  If a Saudagar comes to sell good weapons and horses, I will pay them a good price for it.  If a craftsman brings a weapon, I will buy it.  Go to Majha and Doaba and spread my command.  Send out a call for warriors who want to enlist.  They will be paid for their service.”  The elder Masands were told by Guru ji these commands.  Guru ji then went home to meet his mother, Mata Ganga ji.

4-44 The Sixth Guru’s Bir Ras Form

Mata Ganga ji was waiting for her son.  She wanted to see her son’s face.  Guru ji was dressed with his weapons as he came to see his mother.  Mata Ganga ji saw her son from afar and was filled with bliss.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji came close to his mother and bowed to her.  Mata Ganga ji blessed him and had him sit on a stool with a thread-quilled sheet on top.  He sat close to his mother.  Mata Ganga ji was in bliss and said to him: “tell me son, how much Sangat came to the Darbar today?  The Masands that came, where were they from?  Did they bring gifts?  Just as your father was visited by the Sangat, did they visit you in the same way?”  Guru Hargobind ji said to his mother: “the senior Masands came with their Sangat.  The ones that live very far, they haven’t arrived yet.  They are coming though.  Everyone came.  They brought beautiful weapons, horses and clothes.  They came with faith and devotion.  They made me happy with the weapons and horses.  Some brought weapons and some brought horses.  In a few days, I will gather an army of warriors.  The warriors will be brave.  There were other gifts as well.  The Sikhs gave with faith and devotion.  The Sikhi of Guru Nanak Dev ji is spread throughout the world.  Guru Nanak Dev ji planted the seed of Sikhi in the world.  There is no place in the world where Sikhi is not.”  Mata ji heard him and was really happy.  She said to her son: “you are eligible to be the Guru.”  Mata ji saw the two swords around her son’s side.  He looked like a lion.  There was a quiver full of arrows and a bow on one shoulder.  He was really wide and strong.  He was the giver of joy to the servants.  The sinners would be afraid of him.  Guru ji sat with his mother for a while.  After some time, he bowed to his mother and came to his place.

Guru ji took off his weapons and placed them next to his pillow.  He rested for a while.  He woke up in the afternoon, opening his lotus eyes.  He had Sukha and came into attention.  He mounted his horse and went hunting.  He had started the new tradition of hunting.  He kept hawks and dogs for hunting.  He wore his weapons.  He was a handsome person with poise and style.  He then came to Akaal Takhat and attended the evening Divaan.  He listened to the So Dar Chownki and listened to Keertan.  Sangat came to meet Guru ji.  He then went home and had a delicious dinner.  He went to sleep around 9:30 pm.  He woke up at around 2:30 am.  After waking up, he bathed and sat in Samadhi till the sun came up.  He then attended Asa Vaar Divaan and did Katha.  This became his daily routine.  He would then go hunting after having Langar everyday. 

Guru ji was getting stronger by the day.  His praises spread throughout Majha and Doaba.  Everyone know about the Satguru being a strong warrior: “he wears Shasters and is extremely strong.  He is preparing an army,” everyone spoke amongst themselves.  The warriors of Majha and Doaba, that did services as soldiers, came to Guru ji.  400 Sikhs gathered with Guru ji in the beginning.  Some came to work for Guru ji and others came to become his Sikhs. 

One day, Guru ji sat on the Akaal Takhat.  Soldiers and Sikhs came to bow to Guru ji.  The warriors didn’t sit down.  They remained standing near the Akaal Takhat, where Guru ji sat.  Guru ji looked towards them and said to the Mevra: “find out who they are.  What wish do they have and why are they standing?”  The Mevra went to inquire: “you are all new.  Where are you from?  Why are you standing?  What do you wish for?  Guru ji is asking himself.”  The warriors said: “we are here to work.  Some of us are form Majha and some of us are from Doaba.  We wish to stay with Guru ji.”  The Mevra came back to Guru ji and said: “Guru ji, they wish to enlist in the army.”  Guru ji understood who they were: “they are Devatas who took births in human houses to enlist in my army.  They are sent by Akaal Purakh.  The Devatas came to fight for the Dharma and took birth in various houses.  They took birth in poor houses so they can come to me.  They came as Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shoodras.  They took a birth to help me.  They realized their duty and found out the army was getting ready.  These warriors will fight and kill the Turks.”  Guru ji said: “enlist them.  Record their names, facial descriptions and where they are from.  Tell them to eat from the Langar.  They are to get special food.”  Guru ji interviewed them one by one in a line.  They were all young and really strong.  Some had a little beard and some had no hair on their face yet.  Some were 20 and some were around 25.  They didn’t have any weapons.  The Turks called them uncivilized and didn’t give them any employment.  They were poor and uneducated.  They were low castes so they didn’t get hired by the Turks.  Satguru ji hired them all.  He gave them good clothes and good weapons.  They stayed with Guru Hargobind ji and learned Shaster Vidya from him.  They would practise for many hours.  Khandas and rifles were given to them.  They all practised all day long.  Guru ji gave them good horses as well.  They mounted horses and rode with Guru ji when he went hunting.  A new tradition was started.  When Guru ji went hunting, he would teach the new warriors how to fight and ride horses.  The Sikhs practiced and fired rifles everyday.  Hawks and cheetahs were kept for hunting.  This was a sign of royalty.  Cheetahs, hawks, and other hunting birds and animals would go with the hunting party.  They would ride fast and practise the use of the weapons.

Majha and Doaba found out about Guru ji’s new traditions of keeping weapons.  A Taadhi by the name of Bhai Abdulla ji from Sursingh came to Guru ji.  He was joined by Bhai Natha ji.  They started to sing Vaars of warriors.  The cowards heard their Vaars and became courageous.  That person would be ready to go to war after listening to the Taadhis.  The Taadhis especially came to prepare the warriors for war.  Guru ji put the Taadhis on a salary and had them sing everyday, the Vaars of warriors and Dharma Yudh.  They were given good horses to travel on.  They would come to Akaal Takhat everyday to sing the Vaars.

New recruits enlisted everyday.  The Sangat would come with new weapons and horses.  The Sangat grew everyday.  Mata ji was happy to see the new growth.  A lot of money and gifts would come everyday.  Guru ji was the Peer of Peers and the Meer of Meers.  The army mounted their horses along with Guru ji.  The Meeree of Meers and Peeree of Peers were taken by Guru ji.  Horses and weapons gathered.  When Guru ji travelled, a Nagara sounded.  Nishans travelled out ahead.  The standards would fly in the wind.  Nishans were mounted at Akaal Takhat.  New celebrations would happen everyday as everyone was happy to see the new prosperity and growth.

Diwali had come and Sangat from all around came to Amritsar.  They bathed in the Sarovar and met Guru ji.  They brought weapons and horses for Guru ji.  They tested the best weapons to make Guru ji happy.  Pooja at Harmandhir Sahib was different than the Pooja at Akaal Takhat.  Guru ji would go to Harmandhir Sahib first to do Pooja of Gurbani and listen to Keertan.  He would then come and sit on top of the Akaal Takhat in a beautiful and powerful way.  The Masands would bring their Sangats.  They would meet Guru ji and present their gifts. 

A King from the Dakhan (south), sent Guru ji an elephant.  The elephant was very big and strong.  He sent other weapons and horses as well.  He sent the gifts with great faith and devotion.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji thought to himself: “a new tradition should start where horses should be gifted for an Ardaas.”  He said to the Sikhs: “for my father’s Shaheedi Anniversary, I wish to donate an elephant and 5 horses.  Weapons and clothes are to be donated as well.”  He stood in front of Akaal Takhat and thought of his father, Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Bhai Gurdas ji stood up and did an Ardaas by saying the names of the 5 elder Gurus: “please accept the gifts of one elephant and 5 horses.”  When the Ardaas was completed, the Taadis were given the elephant by Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  The Taadis were really happy.  They sang the praises of Guru Sahib ji: “you are the master of the 3 worlds.  You came as an Avatar to save the 3 worlds.”  Guru ji went to Harmandhir Sahib and gave out weapons and clothes to the Sangat.  Some were given horses and money.  Guru ji said from his holy mouth: “whichever Sikh presents gifts in this tradition; they will receive great rewards.  They will receive joy in this life and in the afterlife.  Their gravest of sins will be washed away.  My Sikh that gives in this tradition to the best of their abilities, they will receive happiness.”  Guru ji started the tradition of giving in remembrance of his father.  Giving donations would give happiness to the Sikhs.  Everyone said: “you are Dhan!  Satguru ji, you are benevolent.  You are almighty.  You started a great army and gave them weapons and horses.” 

4-45 Sri Gur Bilaas

Sri Guru ji illuminated his name as “Gareeb Nivaaj,” the one that gives greatness to the poor.  Guru ji kept the poor with him and gave them greatness.  He made them into leaders.  Guru ji gave Shaster Vidya to them.  He taught them to fire rifles and ride horses.  They practiced with spears, bows and arrows.  Guru ji went with his Sikhs to go hunting.  They played the Nagara as they hunted.  People would stand up and bow as Guru ji would come back from his hunt.  The people of the village would stand with their hands folded as Guru ji rode by.  The warriors who were young and brave, they would come and enlist in Guru ji’s army.  They came from far away lands.  Some days, 5 new people would come and some days there would be 10 enlisting.  The young men from poor homes would be given a salary for being in the army.  Guru ji was gracious and would give them everything: clothes, weapons and horses.  The warriors would see this as Guru ji’s grace and would give their head to him.  They were ready to give their bodies to him.  The faith and devotion these Sikhs had would overshadow the faith of paid soldiers of the Emperor.  The Sikhs said: “we will go where the Guru tells us to.  We will kill whoever Guru ji tells us to.  We will take revenge for Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Guru ji is like Ram Chander ji.  We are like the army of monkeys that Ram Chander ji met.  The monkeys were a low form of animal life who were useless.  Ram Chander ji blessed those monkeys with his love.  They destroyed the army of the powerful Ravan, the one with ten heads.  The monkeys destroyed Raavan’s ego.  We were powerless and useless.  Guru ji casted his divine sight on us and made us great.  The Badshah calls himself “Jaha Panah,” (the king of the world) we will fight him.  We are low-lifes if we do not fight.  We would be lower than monkeys if we don’t fight in wars.  People will call us lower than monkeys for not fighting.  The enemy will come.  We will fight fearlessly.  Guru ji is with us.  We will kill the enemy with the weapons.”  The soldiers took oaths amongst themselves.  They had warriorism in their heart.  When they would go hunting with Guru ji, holding their rifles, they would say to Guru ji: “Maharaj, give us the command and we will give the enemy a fierce battle.  This head is not ours.  Our heads are yours now.  We will go where you tell us to.  You don’t need to worry.  We will take care of everything.  Your feet have the joy of both worlds.  We came to your sanctuary and gave you our head.”  In this way their Bir Ras became deeper.  They practised Shaster Vidya everyday.  They were in bliss.  The Sikhs bowed to the feet of Guru ji, the giver of joy.  The money that Guru ji would give them, they would send it back to their homes.  They ate Langar everyday.  They were given nice cloths and weapons.  The ones that wished to fight in battle, they got weapons and horses.  The enthusiasm grew in their hearts by the day.  They wanted to kill Chandoo.

The Sikhs would go hunting with Guru ji.  Guru ji would release his falcons; who would go and hunt their own food.  The falcon was a symbol of royalty, independence, honor and persistency.  Wild dogs would hunt rabbits and deer.  The warriors hunted other animals.  They hunted like Ram Chander ji in Tretayuga, near the banks of the Saryu River.  Krishan ji hunted with the Yadavs in the jungle.  Other Rajas who followed the Dharma also hunted.  Virochan, the son of Prahalad ji, was sent to hunt by Shukracharya ji as his first royal duty.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji hunted in the same way as the other Avatars did.  He took many cheetahs and hunting birds with him.  When the army would march, the dust would fly from the horses’ feet.  The rifles would fire.  The horses ran.  The enemy’s hearts would be filled with fear.  The horses jumped like deer, leaving the wind behind. 

Guru ji’s body was strong and handsome.  He was very tall and built.  He exercised with determination.  His big feet were like big lotus flowers.  The nails on his fingers were perfect and white.  They looked like pearls and diamonds.  The heels on his feet were red.  They were thick.  His thighs and knees were thick and strong.  They were like great pillars.  His chest was solid.  It could take the weight of a bridge.  They looked like two doors which were stronger than the Vajjar of Inder.  His abdomen would have three folds in them.  His belly button was deep.  His arms were longer than his knees.  They looked like two elephant trunks.  That is how strong they were.  His biceps and triceps could be seen separate from his arms.  They were thick and defined.  They were like they were made of the Vajjar.  His shoulders were wide and high.  Guru ji was more than 7 feet tall.  His deltoids looked like two cannonballs hanging off his shoulders.  His neck was long and tall; that was decorated with pearl and diamond necklaces.  His chin was round.  His checks were solid and round.  His lips were red.  His teeth looked like pearls.  When he smiled, his teeth shined like Jasmine flowers.  His face was wide and radiant like a lion’s face.  His face was always beaming bright.  He was always calm and full of bliss.  His face was fair like the moon of the Pooranmaashi of Kathak.  Just as Amrit drips from the moon, Guru ji’s mouth sprayed Amrit everywhere.  Whoever looked at Guru ji, couldn’t stop looking at him.  His nose was sharp.  His earrings were beautiful which swayed as he spoke.  His eyes were big and sharp.  They were like the petals of a lotus flower.  His eyebrows were like bows.  His eyesight was sharp.  It blessed anyone he looked at.  His voice was deep and low; like a big thundering Nagara.  When Guru ji would speak to the Sangat at Akaal Takhat, it was like sweets in the Sangat’s ears.  His forehead was radiant.  His black hair could be seen under his Dastaar.  A beautiful Kalgi and Jigha would adorn his Dastaar, that shined in the light.  They had precious gems and stones in them.  The jewellery and weapons adorned his body.  Guru ji wore royal clothes.  Guru ji practiced Shaster Viday for many hours.  He would go to the blacksmith and tell them how he wanted his Khapra arrows.  He would mount them on his bow and release them.  He would practice on targets that were many miles away.  He would aim and release.  He would make his bow stronger.  The pull on his bow was 9 Tonkas.  Guru ji would make the bow-maker tighten his bow to a stronger strength every year.  His arrows were made of Faulaad.  He had many arrows made from great artists of the skill.  Guru ji would be happy to see the arrows.  These arrows were going to go through the sinners.  These sinners preyed upon the poor and tortured Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He would say: “these arrows will pierce the chests of the sinners one day.  We will fight on the battlefield one day.”  Guru ji would practice shooting his rifles all day long.  He would exercise with the “moonglis,” (heavy wooden maces for weightlifting) for many hours.  He would workout with one and two moonglis.  Guru ji was the tallest, widest and strongest man on earth at that time.  It is hard to say if there ever was anyone stronger in the past or if there ever will be anyone bigger and stronger than him in the future.  His arms and legs were built.  He was a great bodybuilder.  Whoever saw him would praise him.  People, besides Sikhs, would come to see Guru ji’s awesome body.  They would see him and keep staring at him.  They would feel calm, as he was an Avatar.  Their wishes would be fulfilled when they would see him.  They would talk amongst themselves: “we have never seen such a big person before, not in the past nor could there be one in the future.  Only Shasterdhaari people have this kind of body.  If he strikes someone, he can kill them easily.  It’s hard to imagine any other warrior who wouldn’t be afraid to fight him.  If he punches someone, he would kill them.  We have heard that the Pandavs, in Dwapur, were about one hand taller than the average person.  The five brothers were really strong and powerful.  Mahabharat says that they were really strong and skillful warriors.  In Kaliyuga, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji is the strongest.  He is way taller than the average warrior.  Such an amazing height and width is not seen in Kaliyuga.  He is still young.  When he will be 21, then we will know how big he gets.”  People would talk about Guru ji’s size in different lands.

Guru ji always practiced Shastervidya.  Bhai Jetha ji and Bhai Bidhi Chand ji practised as well.  The warrior Sikhs all practised as well.  Guru ji would be happy seeing them practise hard.  They practised firing their rifles and archery as well.